MANILA, Philippines — Is one secretive group behind two of the country’s darkest mysteries?
In a bombshell revelation that could redefine two major national scandals, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has suggested a disturbing connection between the drug war killings and the disappearances of sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts). According to Remulla, both incidents may have involved the same group, using the same method of disposal — a claim that is sending shockwaves through the public and political spheres.

As investigators dig deeper, Filipinos are left wondering: Who exactly is this group, and how deep does their influence go?

The Shocking Link: One Group, Same Method

Speaking to reporters in an ambush interview on July 16, Remulla dropped a chilling hint:

“There seems to be a convergence. The actors involved in enforced disappearances appear to be the same group,” he said.

This group, originally associated with the drug war, is now suspected of playing a role in the brutal disappearances of sabungeros, many of whom went missing in 2021 and 2022 following the rise of e-sabong (online cockfighting).

“They were part of the drug war and of the group that handled the sabungeros’ disposal,” Remulla continued.

This statement suggests not only a potential overlap in personnel, but also in operational strategies, including body disposal and site selection, raising urgent questions about how much of the drug war infrastructure may have been repurposed for other criminal activities.

Drug War Revisited: Are There Still Unsolved Secrets?

The drug war, launched under former President Rodrigo Duterte, has long been marred by allegations of extrajudicial killings and cover-ups. Thousands were reportedly killed, and many others disappeared without a trace.

Now, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is reopening cases, focusing on potential connections with the missing sabungeros. As part of this renewed effort, authorities are exhuming three unclaimed bodies buried by the police in 2020.

“We’re exhuming them now because we have to find out who they are,” Remulla said.
“We’re also setting up a DNA bank because the disappearances must be solved.”

The move to create a DNA bank underscores the government’s intent to bring closure to the families of victims, while uncovering patterns of abuse that may have been swept under the rug for years.

Taal Lake: The Silent Witness?

The eerie calm of Taal Lake has been broken by a gruesome discovery. As of July 15, authorities have recovered six bones from the lakebed — a site previously identified by whistleblower Julie Patidongan (alias “Totoy”) as the final dumping ground of the sabungeros.

RELATED: ‘Mix, mix’: Human, animal remains recovered from Taal Lake, says Torre

Is Taal Lake the country’s silent graveyard? Authorities are currently verifying the bones, some of which appear to be a mix of human and animal remains, further complicating an already murky case.

Whistleblower Under Fire: Can “Totoy” Be Trusted?

While Julie Patidongan has been a crucial source of insider information, he remains an accused party in the case of the missing sabungeros. Prosecutor General Anthony Fadullon confirmed that Totoy’s claims are still undergoing validation and evaluation.

“What I know as of this time is that they’re continually building up the case,” Fadullon said, “trying to validate also information that is provided by alias Totoy.”

Despite his insider status, Patidongan and the victims’ families have also filed formal complaints against 12 police officers allegedly involved in the enforced disappearances — further highlighting how deeply rooted the conspiracy may be.

No Sacred Cows: Will Public Officials Be Held Accountable?

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla issued a stern warning to public officials possibly connected to the crimes:

“Even if it’s a mayor, governor, or senator — anyone part of that alpha group will be charged if the case is strong.”

This marks a critical turning point, as the “alpha group” theory gains traction. If validated, it may reveal a high-level network of state-enabled operatives who moved seamlessly between major criminal operations.

What Happens Next: Will the Cases Be Merged?

When asked whether the drug war probe and the sabungeros investigation would be combined, Remulla stated that the main priority remains with the latter — but admitted overlapping areas are being investigated collaboratively.

This merging of threads may finally expose the real architects behind both atrocities.

Final Thoughts: Why This Story Matters

This emerging connection between the drug war killings and sabungeros’ disappearances is not just another headline. It’s a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding how state systems may have been manipulated for darker purposes.

As the DOJ, DILG, and other agencies intensify their investigations, the Filipino public deserves answers. If the same group orchestrated both sets of crimes, it points to a systemic breakdown in law enforcement ethics, one that must be addressed before justice can truly be served.